This morning is went to visit a couple local shops that I haven't been to in a couple weeks. I wasn't looking to pick up anything.

The second shop I stopped in generally has the best deals on used handguns around, but they rarely have anything that truly interests me. Today was different. Sitting there in the used case was a blued Smith & Wesson 39. What first struck me was the like new condition of the metal, grips, and finish in general. The next thing I realized was the huge extractor and the small hole in the hammer, which meant it was an early model (It was sitting right side up, so I couldn't see the model # or serial #). After that, I looked at the price and just couldn't believe it. Here was a no dash M39 in like new condition for $339.

Needless to say, I couldn't get my wallet out fast enough. Apparently, it just came in the night before and was priced and put in the case by one of the evening employees. Whoever priced it cost the shop at least $150. I see no dash M39s routinely going for over $500 on GB even without the box.

At any rate, I just bought my first 39 over the summer, which was a still NIB -2 nickel model. As much as I love it, it did not fill my desire for a classic blued 39 and finding an early no dash model in this condition is icing on the cake. The price I paid makes it truly remarkable. After tax and everything, it cost me $365 out the door! This certainly helps me feel better about dropping almost $4K on two Browning Hi-Powers in August.

Anyway, enough rambling. Please enjoy the pics. I'll take some better pics when I have better lighting. These will have to do for now.

No, its not the steel framed model. They sell for a $2-$3,000.

By the way, could any of you S&W gurus tell me what year it was produced based on the serial number that I never try to hide? I'm thinking it was closer to the end of the run of the no dash models, maybe early to mid 1960's?

Thanks for any help and, as always, please let me know what you think. This pistol is in awesome shape.

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There is a very simple solution. We know his photography skills are really what's going on. He got the gun from a police auction. It was used 20 years ago in a shooting and was found in a pond when the golf course drained it for maintenance. That gun is a rusted mess. The action is completely locked up, the springs turned to dust years ago. Basically, it's demilled and worthless for anything other than use as a tent stake.

It's easier to hate someone than to like them. You are already half way there. Just go all the way and realize that he is full of carp and life will be less stressful.

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There is a very simple solution. We know his photography skills are really what's going on. He got the gun from a police auction. It was used 20 years ago in a shooting and was found in a pond when the golf course drained it for maintenance. That gun is a rusted mess. The action is completely locked up, the springs turned to dust years ago. Basically, it's demilled and worthless for anything other than use as a tent stake.

It's easier to hate someone than to like them. You are already half way there. Just go all the way and realize that he is full of carp and life will be less stressful.

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Very nice! It is an odd thing about the 39 series. In my area they are way under valued when/if you find them. Unlike the "Python rush" the 39s popularity hasn't become widespread. If I find them here they ae usually good deals. I just wish there were more, I actually found variants and havent laid hands on a "straight" 39 yet.

Very nice! It is an odd thing about the 39 series. In my area they are way under valued when/if you find them. Unlike the "Python rush" the 39s popularity hasn't become widespread.

I agree.

Its not just the Pythons, but many iconic handguns have gone crazy from a value standpoint. Look at the old Colt 1911s and Browning Hi-Powers.

I feel the 39 is just as iconic as those two, yet prices have not really budged much. Maybe they will go up in the future, but it is strange. Graqnted, I got an incredible deal, but these pistols still change hands for $500 or so in great condition. The steel framed 39s have gone crazy, but only because they're so rare.

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If I find them here they ae usually good deals. I just wish there were more, I actually found variants and havent laid hands on a "straight" 39 yet.

That's just it. I see an adaquate amount of -2 models around. They aren't exactly common, but they do pop up here and there.

I rarely see the early models. That's why I was so surprised to see this. I guarantee you it would not have gotten through the day without someone buying it. I'm just glad I showed up when I did. I've somehow always been lucky with this sort of thing.

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